A Message From the Superintendent — The Moments That Matter Most

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Dear Aldine ISD Community,

I can still hear the surreal alarm that sounded at 6:30 p.m., “Code Blue, Room 268,” and I remember the stillness after he took his last breath at 10:42 p.m. Joe Jr., my firstborn, passed from this life on March 6, 2019 in a hospital room surrounded by family.

Joe was severely and profoundly disabled, and as a parent of a child with disabilities, I know firsthand the pain and the depth of care and love required. Although he never called me “Mom,” when he passed, a deep, unexplainable sadness filled my heart, the kind of love only a mother can know.

This month, in his honor, I was able to celebrate a student with a scholarship through an endowment established at the Aldine ISD Education Foundation. Each year, I become a little emotional as I hug the student who will have an opportunity my son never had, to go to college and build a career.

His legacy lives on through the kindness of those who have contributed to this endowment. Thank you for that moment each year, and thank you to the Aldine Education Foundation for making dreams possible for so many deserving students.

Creating Pathways That Lead to Possibility
One of the greatest responsibilities we share is ensuring that every student graduates with choices and opportunities — and we are continuing to expand what that looks like in Aldine ISD.

From our growing partnership with OneGoal, which is helping more students navigate the path to college, to our “Launching to Lone Star” events that support students as they take their next steps after graduation, we are building clearer, stronger bridges to the future.

That work is also powered by meaningful partnerships that bring real-world learning to life for our students. At Blanson CTE High School, students in the collision repair program recently had the opportunity to restore a donated vehicle through a partnership with Port Houston, taking it from the ground up to a finished product. Experiences like this not only sharpen technical skills but also connect students to potential careers and industries right here in our region.

At Nimitz High School, we celebrated a major milestone with the ribbon-cutting of the HEAL Program’s new simulated hospital. What was once a gym is now a space where students can see themselves as future healthcare professionals — gaining real-world experience while still in high school. That is what it means to provide access to high-quality learning experiences that truly prepare students for life beyond our classrooms.

And for one remarkable student who graduated with both a high school diploma and a two-year college degree at the same time, that preparation has already opened doors that will shape her future in extraordinary ways. That story is just one example of the opportunities available to Aldine ISD high school students — opportunities many are already taking advantage of to earn college credit, certifications, and even degrees while still in high school. As students begin thinking about their schedules for the 2026–2027 school year, it is a powerful reminder to explore these pathways early and take full advantage of the choices and opportunities available to them.

Celebrating Excellence in Every Form
Across our district, excellence continues to shine — in academics, the arts, athletics, and beyond.

We are incredibly proud of Carter Academy teacher Eun Sung Kim, who was named a 2026 Houston Symphony Music Education Award recipient. Her work is a powerful reminder that when students are given the opportunity to explore their talents, they find their voice.

That same sense of voice and confidence is taking root in our classrooms every day. At the Davis Ninth Grade School, ESL teacher Francisco Brizuela, our recent Bright Spot in Literacy Award recipient, is helping students build more than language skills — he is helping them find the confidence to express who they are and who they are becoming. It is a powerful example of how our literacy work continues to open doors for students across Aldine ISD.

Our unified track and field team from Nimitz High School once again demonstrated what inclusion, determination, and teamwork truly look like — returning from state competition with outstanding performances and unforgettable moments of pride.

And from our Information Literacy Specialists of the Year to the many student-athletes advancing to regional competitions, our students and staff continue to show that hard work and heart go hand in hand.

The Power of Voice, Connection, and Community
In Aldine ISD, we know that our work is strongest when it is shaped by the voices of those we serve.

That is why I am so grateful for our families who continue to sit at the table, share their perspectives, and help guide our district forward. Your voice matters — and we need to hear from you.

If you have not yet completed our End-of-Year FACE Survey, I encourage you to take a few moments to do so. Your feedback helps us grow, improve, and better serve every child in Aldine ISD.

We also saw the impact of connection in a simple yet powerful story — a dog that helped students build relationships and open up in ways that words alone sometimes cannot. It is a reminder that belonging is just as important as achievement.

Investing in Futures — Together
This past week, we celebrated more than $490,000 in scholarships awarded through the Aldine Education Foundation. Behind every scholarship is a story of perseverance, support, and belief — and I am deeply grateful to our donors and community partners who continue to invest in our students’ dreams.

Because of you, doors are opening. Futures are expanding. Lives are being changed.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Milestones
As we move into May, we are entering one of the most meaningful times of the school year.

Graduation is just around the corner — one of my favorite moments each year. It is a time when we see the full impact of our collective work as students cross the stage ready to embrace what comes next.

We also look forward to celebrating:

• National College Decision Day on May 1
• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8)
• And the many individuals who support our schools each day — from nurses and communicators to police officers and support staff

Each of these moments is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and say thank you.

Gratitude for the Journey
As I reflect on these past weeks, I am reminded that our story is not defined by a single event or achievement. It is built day by day, moment by moment — through the care, commitment, and belief of so many people who show up for our students.

To our educators, staff, families, partners, and community members: thank you.

Because of you, our students are not just preparing for the future — they are stepping into it with confidence.

And that is the true power of the #AldineStory.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent of Schools